ABSTRACT
The new King, continuing the tradition of his grandfather, Louis XIV, did his utmost to favor culture. The Royal Library dates from 1711. The Academia de la Historia received official sanction in 1738. It was to represent erudition, foment scientific study of the past of the nation, and continue the work of the former cronistas; and in fact it has played and continues to play a most useful part. Taste for French literature and acquaintance with it spread rapidly under the Bourbons, as was to be expected; French authors were read in the original and French plays were performed, translated and imitated. Poems in plenty were written at this period. In 1727 a hundred and fifty poets and five poetesses competed in a certamen in honor of St. Stanislas Kotzka. Vicente Garcia de la Huerta, a victim of Aranda, who kept him ten years in prison or exile, obtained deserved success with La Raquel, on a theme frequently dramatized.
